Hospitality & Tourism Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Sommelier Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median sommelier salary in Memphis, TN is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$53,320
vs State Avg
$-1,860
vs National
$-8,680
Cost of Living
86%

Sommelier Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median sommelier salary of $53,320, which is $1,860 below the Tennessee state average of $55,180. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $53,320 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for sommeliers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for sommeliers in Memphis spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $107,500 at the 90th percentile — a $79,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,480. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sommelier Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level sommelier earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,480
$-16,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $53,320
75th Percentile $79,120
90th Percentile $107,500

Sommelier Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$62,000
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$57,040
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$54,560
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$54,560
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Sommelier in Memphis

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in Memphis

Browse open sommelier positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Memphis

How much does a Sommelier make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $107,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,320, a sommelier in Memphis earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Memphis's median sommelier salary of $53,320 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $55,180. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $53,320 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Memphis? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Memphis require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Wine Knowledge, Tasting, Food Pairing, Inventory Management. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.